Collection: Bourboulenc
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Bourboulenc is an ancient white wine grape variety grown mainly in southern France. While it is reasonably widely planted, it is used mostly as a blending grape variety in various appellations in Languedoc, Provence and the Rhône. On its own, Bourboulenc makes wines with citrus tones and a touch of smoky, spicy complexity.
The variety has its first mention in literature of the 16th century, and is thought to be native to Provence. The name possibly comes from a vineyard in the area, but various hypotheses have been put forward. It has also been mooted that Bourboulenc has a Greek origin, where it was once known as Asprokondoura.
Now Bourboulenc is largely confined to the southern parts of France, where it is permitted in the white wines of a wide range of appellations including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol, Corbières, La Clape and Minervois. Its most common blending partners are Grenache Blanc and Clairette, along with a range of other lesser-seen grape varieties.
Bourboulenc is well behaved in the vineyard, offering good yields and resistance to rot. It is a late ripening variety, and is particularly useful to vignerons as it retains its acidity in the warm, dry Mediterranean climate. As such, its usual role in a blend is to provide balanced acidity and structure to the wine, although it also offers some spicy flavour characters.
The variety has its first mention in literature of the 16th century, and is thought to be native to Provence. The name possibly comes from a vineyard in the area, but various hypotheses have been put forward. It has also been mooted that Bourboulenc has a Greek origin, where it was once known as Asprokondoura.
Now Bourboulenc is largely confined to the southern parts of France, where it is permitted in the white wines of a wide range of appellations including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol, Corbières, La Clape and Minervois. Its most common blending partners are Grenache Blanc and Clairette, along with a range of other lesser-seen grape varieties.
Bourboulenc is well behaved in the vineyard, offering good yields and resistance to rot. It is a late ripening variety, and is particularly useful to vignerons as it retains its acidity in the warm, dry Mediterranean climate. As such, its usual role in a blend is to provide balanced acidity and structure to the wine, although it also offers some spicy flavour characters.